A classic name with a hint of ancient Roman splendor that has never been truly in or truly out, Claudia still feels like a strong, modern choice—one of our "sweet spot" names.

Claudia was a common girls’ name in ancient Rome, borne by the wives of both Nero and Pontius Pilate. The name is mentioned in the New Testament in one of St. Paul's letters to Timothy as one of the Christian women in Rome. As a result, it was taken up in the sixteenth century and has been in moderate use ever since.

There was a popular mid-century series of novels by Rose Franken, beginning with Claudia: The Story of a Marriage. The name was also used by Agatha Christie and Penelope Lively, as well as being a main character in Anne Rice's Interview With the Vampire. Model Claudia Schiffer gave it an infusion of glamour, as had earlier Italian actress Claudia Cardinale. Michelle Pfeiffer has a daughter named Claudia.

While some parents may be put off by the common "lame" meaning, some etymologists theorize that the name may relate to the word for enclosure or clause, an alternate meaning that may appeal to a child with a form of this otherwise appealing name.

Daiseymae Says:

raefrank Says:

Thank you, Nameberry, for offering an alternate meaning. I'm considering using this for my next daughter on the way. It's beautiful, timeless. If she ever questions the meaning, I'll tell her that people give names meaning, not the other way around.

Oriana Banana Says:

LaurenDH Says:

Claudia Vincent Says:

This is my name. I got it from my grandfather: Claude. So, to me, it has a more special meaning than "lame." To me it sounds royal and beautiful. I have had people tell me that my name sounds like a disease, but honestly it is so unique that I don't care what people say about it. And I like to tell people that it means "lame" because it is okay to make fun of your name sometimes.

paulapuddephatt Says:

paulapuddephatt Says:

It's a lovely name. I think that the meaning, as with many others, is debatable. I can understand why you made up a meaning to read out, though. I always said that my name had no meaning, as name books didn't used to attribute the meaning to the feminine versions of names. It would say that Paul meant "small", but that Paula was "the Latin feminine version", Pauline "the French version", and so on. I suppose that, in that case, it could work out to look at it that way. Give the meaning to Claude and then at least the feminine versions don't have to share the burden. :-)

spec Says:

This is my name. In 5th grade a teacher of mine had us get up in front of the class and present the meaning of our name. When I found out my name meant "lame", I was so embarrassed that I made up a generic meaning and told that to the class instead. I was very self conscious about having a weird name with a weird meaning. Now that I am older, I am so thankful that I am not just another Emily, Ashley, or Elizabeth. I grew to love my name. It fits me really well, and it's cool to be different.

headintheclouds Says:

The meaning of Claudia is terrible, but that aside, purely on aesthetics alone, the name itself really is stunning. It sounds very regal and glamorous with a hint of quirk and eccentricity. My friend Claudia suits my image of her name perfectly- gorgeous and capable, a practical and straight-shooting introvert with the personality of a black cat who warms up to some people only, seems intimidating from afar but is friendly to you once you befriend them.

eveyalecia Says:

Why do you say this used to mean something else? Claudia is from the Latin claudus, meaning "lame, crippled." Not really any room for interpretation there. I'm personally not a fan because of the meaning and the "clod" sound.